The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has announced that public school teachers and non-teaching personnel will receive an annual medical allowance of up to P7,000 starting in June 2025. This initiative reflects the commitment of the government to enhance healthcare support for public sector employees, as outlined by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that the allowance is designed to alleviate the financial burden associated with medical expenses, improve access to healthcare, and enhance the overall well-being and productivity of DepEd personnel, particularly those serving in low-income, remote, and high-risk areas.

As Secretary Angara stated, "This is our way of recognizing the commitment of our teachers and staff.

This allowance is a way to give back and ensure they never have to choose between their health and the stress of medical bills."

The initiative is formalized in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2025, titled "Guidelines on the Grant of Medical Allowance to the DepEd Personnel." This policy encompasses permanent, co-terminus, fixed-term, casual, or contractual personnel who have completed at least six months of service within the year.

However, individuals such as consultants, job order workers, apprentices, and student laborers, who lack an employer-employee relationship with DepEd, are excluded from the program.

Qualified personnel can access the medical allowance through three avenues:
1. Enrollment in group HMO packages procured by DepEd;
2. Individual availment of new or renewed HMO-type products;
3. Direct cash payment via payroll for those in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) or where access to HMO services is limited or unavailable.

Angara clarified that for employees opting for individual HMO plans, the allowance will be disbursed through payroll even prior to the submission of receipts or supporting documents.

Importantly, personnel will receive the full P7,000 regardless of the amount associated with their chosen HMO plan.

However, failure to submit necessary documentation by the designated deadlines could lead to the withholding of next year’s medical allowance until all outstanding obligations are resolved.

Angara reiterated that this initiative aims to reduce absenteeism, enhance staff morale, and ultimately contribute to a more resilient and effective teaching workforce, especially in underserved regions.

He also noted that this benefits provision aligns with the health entitlements outlined in Republic Act No. 4670, known as the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers.